Matthew 21:28

“But what think ye? A certain man had two sons; and he came to the first, and said, Son, go work today in my vineyard.”

Context:Matthew 21 records several parables and teachings of Jesus during His final week before His crucifixion. In this particular passage, Jesus tells the parable of the two sons to illustrate a lesson about obedience and repentance.

The Parable of the Two Sons:Jesus begins by describing a man who had two sons. The man approached the first son and instructed him to go work in his vineyard. Let’s explore the response of the two sons and the lessons conveyed by their actions.

The First Son:When the father asked the first son to work in the vineyard, he initially refused, saying, “I will not.” However, afterward, he repented and changed his mind. He went and worked in the vineyard as his father had requested.

Lessons from the First Son:The first son’s initial refusal represents disobedience and rebellion. However, his subsequent repentance and obedience show a change of heart. This teaches us about the importance of genuine repentance and the willingness to obey God’s commands even when we initially resist.

• The Second Son:After dealing with the first son, the father approached the second son and gave him the same instruction to work in the vineyard. Unlike the first son, the second son immediately agreed, saying, “I go, sir,” but he did not go.
• Lessons from the Second Son:The second son’s response reflects an outward appearance of obedience without genuine commitment. He spoke well, but his actions did not align with his words. This highlights the danger of hypocrisy and the importance of genuine faith expressed through obedience.
• Jesus’ Question:After narrating the parable, Jesus posed a question to the people listening: “Whether of them twain did the will of his father?” The listeners responded correctly that it was the first son who did the father’s will.

• The Lesson:Jesus concluded the parable by stating, “Verily I say unto you, that the publicans and the harlots go into the kingdom of God before you.” Jesus used this parable to emphasize that the tax collectors and prostitutes, who had initially rejected God’s ways but later repented, were entering the kingdom ahead of the religious leaders who claimed to be righteous but lacked true repentance.

Application:The parable challenges us to examine our own lives. Are we like the first son, initially resistant but willing to change and obey God’s commands? Or are we like the second son, making empty promises of obedience without following through? It reminds us that true repentance and obedience are what God desires from us.